In the late summer of 2025, a sense of unease settled over a Winston-Salem, North Carolina, community as a local teenager vanished. Sixteen-year-old Male Jamontez Hawkins was last seen on Monday, August 18, 2025. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 135 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
The last confirmed sighting of Jamontez was in the 3600 block of Old Vineyard Road, where he was seen wearing a red sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. His disappearance prompted an immediate response from law enforcement and a plea to the public for any information that might lead to his safe return.
Initial reports indicated that Jamontez was not alone when he went missing; he was believed to be with 13-year-old Michael Banks. The two teenagers were seen leaving the Old Vineyard Road area together, raising concerns for the well-being of both boys. However, a significant development in the case came when Michael Banks was located safely a few days later. Despite this positive turn of events, there was no sign of Jamontez, and it remained unclear if the two were still together at the exact time he officially became a missing person. The search for Jamontez continued, with his family and community holding onto hope for his discovery.
The Winston-Salem Police Department is the primary agency handling the investigation into the disappearance of Jamontez Hawkins. They have urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and contact them or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has also become involved, amplifying the call for public assistance in locating the missing teen. The overview of this case is that of a sudden and troubling disappearance of a young man from his community. While one of the initially missing teenagers was found, the lack of any publicly available information regarding Jamontez's whereabouts leaves his case unresolved and his loved ones without answers.Last Seen: Aug 18, 2025